Reforming catalysts with tuned acidity for maximum aromatics yield

Abstract

One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be a catalyst for catalytic reforming of naphtha. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a reforming catalyst for the catalytic reforming of gasoline-range hydrocarbons that results in increased aromatics production. The catalyst can have a noble metal including one or more of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium, one or more alkaline earth metals, and a support.

1 . A reforming process, comprising:
 a) charging a hydrocarbon feedstock and a hydrogen-rich gas to a reforming zone; and   b) contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock and the hydrogen rich gas in a reactor in the reforming zone wherein the catalyst comprises:
 1) a noble metal comprising one or more of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium; 
 2) one or more alkaline earth metals; and 
 3) a support. 
   
     
     
         2 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , further comprising continuously regenerating the catalyst. 
     
     
         3 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst further comprises tin or a halide. 
     
     
         4 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises from about 200 wppm to about 2000 wppm of said alkaline earth metal or alkaline earth metals mixture. 
     
     
         5 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises from about 600 to 1000 wppm alkaline earth metal or alkaline earth metals mixture. 
     
     
         6 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein said alkaline earth metals mixture comprises mixtures of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium. 
     
     
         7 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein said alkaline earth metal comprises barium. 
     
     
         8 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises an alumina. 
     
     
         9 . The reforming process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst further comprises a Group 14 metal of the Periodic Table. 
     
     
         10 . The reforming process according to  claim 3 , wherein the catalyst comprises no more than about 5%, by weight, tin. 
     
     
         11 . The reforming process according to  claim 3 , wherein the halide comprises a chloride.